Guitars for Beginners

The first thing to understand if you are starting out in guitar is that there are three basic types of guitar:

1) Classical Guitar

Also called nylon-string guitars, this is the type approved in most school music programs such as SIMS. They are perfect guitars for beginners and small children because the strings are soft. They also come in 3/4, 1/2 and even tiny 1/4 size, great for all ages. They are inexpensive and can also take a few bumps from the little-ies.

2) Acoustic Guitar

The most popular guitar for adults, they have steel strings which may suit slightly older kids and adults. They produce a loud, resonant sound popular in country, pop and rock music and they go great with singing along.

3) Electric Guitar

An electric guitar usually has a thinner body and is played through an amplifier. This means you can turn it up (or down). You can buy packs that include the guitar and the amplifier. They produce the rocky sounds used in rock and metal bands and would be the best choice for a person who thinks they want to be in a band and play guitar solos.

Browse this section to choose a guitar that's ideal for a beginner.

We explain more about guitars for beginners in the video below.